Style Lesson: It’s Not (Always) About What You Wear

Let’s be honest, racing isn’t exactly known for style. In fact, racecar drivers and moto racers usually wear one of two things: their uniform or swag from their sponsors. And in the stands? Jeans, jeans, jeans. (OK, and maybe some face paint.)

Even MotoGP racer Nicky Hayden, the Ducati team’s beloved “Kentucky Kid,” keeps his style simple: “I wear my team shirt, Tissot watch, and Diesel jeans a lot,” he says. “My style has always been very basic. Since I’m always traveling, I wear a lot of black and gray so I can mix and match without needing to pack a large bag.”

But the real style lesson isn’t about wearing the right brands—which Nicky revealed without even realizing it. While he continues to compete in the MotoGP World Championship, he didn’t fare so well stateside, crashing the day before the Indianapolis GP, resulting in a concussion and two fractures on his right hand—and depriving him of a chance at the competition.

While other racers shove their fans aside in a way that says, “I have more important things to do,” Nicky stays true to his humble hometown roots, even under distress, taking disappointment with grace. Though he didn’t feel his best, he pulled himself together, styled his hair to a T (no easy task when your arm is in a cast), and greeted his fans with a dignified speech, proving that true style is something that shows through even the toughest leather uniform.

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